Learn more: Using the pill to have fewer or no periods

Extended and Continuous Use


To have a period every 3 months (extended dosing):

Extended Dosing with the Pill
  1. Figure out what pills in your pack are active pills and placebo pills.
  2. Take an active pill every day for 4 packs in a row. (Throw the placebo pills away.) For most packs there are 21 days of actives in each pack: 21 x 4 = 84 days of actives.
  3. After 84 days of active pills, take a 4-7 day break from medication. You can take placebo pills during this break, or just count days off.
  4. Start a new pack of pills after the 4-7 day break and repeat above.

To have no scheduled periods (continuous dosing):

Extended Dosing with the Pill
  1. Figure out what pills in your pack are active pills and placebo pills.
  2. Take an active pill every day. (Throw the placebo pills away.)
  3. If you start to have bleeding, take a 4-7 day break from medication. You can take placebo pills during this break, or just count days off.
  4. Start back on active pills after the 4-7 day break.

What to when you have unexpected bleeding (also called: breakthrough bleeding)

Here is what to do:

Other things to know:

  • Be prepared for unexpected bleeding. Have a tampon or pad ready to use.
  • Make sure you are taking your pills at exactly the same time each day.
  • For some people, it can be 6 months or longer until breakthrough bleeding stops.